In the 1920s, Bert and Geneva Jensen Garfield owned a general store attached to the front of the home where he and his family lived. They had a single gas pump in front of the store.  Among other items, they sold penny candy, which was the children’s favorite.  Bert was of a compassionate nature and allowed people of Harrisville to charge their purchases and gas.  Because of this, he carried his customers’ debt during the height of the Depression and finally had to close the store when his clientele could not pay him, and he could not pay the wholesalers.  The store front was removed and the home sold.  

Wonda W. and Hattie Eleanor Hutchings Godfrey bought the home in 1945 and raised their family here.  

Later, owners of the home made several additions to the original building including a second story.